Upper Rochester Falls, March 6, 2014

Commentary by John B. Photos by Martin T. and John B.

Ron lead a small group (the Magnificent Seven), to Upper Rochester Creek Falls. With mild temps and perfect blue skies, the topping on the cake was that someone from Denison Mines had broken trail on a snowmobile, so we had an easy time of it. Not much water going over the falls but some River Otters had been at play and it looked like a miniature water park with all the little slides and trails. Perfect outing.  PHOTOS

Winterfest, March 1, 2014

Photos by Ron T, Jim M, Martin T and Astrid T.
Once again the Family Snowshoe Stroll at this year's Winterfest was a success!  Many thanks to all the Coureurs de Bois volunteers for their hard work and to the Elliot Lake VTA Club for the use of their clubhouse.  We had 50 participants who enjoyed the hike from the VTA clubhouse to a roaring fire on Horne island where hot dogs and hot chocolate were waiting.  PHOTOS

Minutes of the General Meeting held on January 21, 2014

                                                     COUREURS DE BOIS 

                                             General Meeting January 21, 2014

Members present 24
Jim M. opened meeting at 7 p.m., welcoming all
Minutes of the Meeting of November 19, 2013 accepted by Nicki J and seconded by Emily W
Share the Wealth of $ 23.05 went to George H

Secretary-Treasurer Report

Donna presented incoming and outgoing funds.
Newsletters were received from the VTA and put out for any members wanting them.

Update for membership yet to be received from the VTA.

Donna thanked all those members who kept track of volunteer hours to accurately during 2013.

Motion was made to accept Secretary-treasurer report by Darla M and seconded by Astrid T

Trail-Master Report

Nothing to report.

Old Business

Jim reminded all to put their names on sign up sheets , both leader and sweep, and to remember to log trail clearing requirements when necessary.

Sign up sheets should be submitted to Donna for keeping track of volunteer hours and to forward to VTA.

When membership dues are paid ( either on your own or to Donna), call her to keep list up to date.

The club has snowshoes and 6 GPS units that can be borrowed.

The new “ Spot” will be available for hike leaders.  Training for the “ Spot” will be provided as soon as we get approval of our process from the OPP.

Hiking “ cards” are available to put on the dash of your car when on a hike.

Emily W spoke about the upcoming trip to Stokely in February.

New Business

There will be a Shared Trails Meeting January 14, the City of Elliot Lake is no longer involved.

We must find out what others are doing to determine what we can do i.e. Trail clearing.

We will continue to cut deadfalls on our own trails.

The golf course is not a “ go” at this time for cross country skiing.

The “ Spot” has been activated and works, an email account via gmail is open for it.

Gerry J spoke of 2 canes that are carved and kept at the Welcome Centre belong to our club.  He suggested a new plaque be made as a tribute to Alan and Diane Day.  A motion was made by Gerry J and was agreed upon by the club.

Gerry J will discuss at the March meeting of a hike leaders course possibly in May.

Heather F suggested that an Introductory Hike be put in our newspaper, possibly after the snow is gone.

Upcoming Events

Grant M will be looking after the Winterfest Snowshoe hike and cookout.  He has put out sign up sheets for anyone wishing to volunteer for it.

The date set is March 1, 2014 – one hike will start at 10:00 am and the other one at 1:00 pm.

The hike will start at the ATV clubhouse, which is located at the bottom of the ski hill.
There will be NO  scheduled hike that day.

Wood will be cut a day or two prior to March 1 and other preparations needed.

Highway cleanup will be announced at a later date for April/May and Sept/Oct.

Volunteers are needed if we want a winter cookout this year

2014 Hike Leaders Planning Meeting will be 2nd Tuesday of Apr., Sept., Nov., at 2:30 pm at clubhouse
2014 Executive Meetings will be 2nd Tuesday of Mar., May, Sept., Nov. , at  7:00 pm at clubhouse
2014 General Meetings will be 3rd Tuesday of Mar., May, Sept., Nov., at 7:00 pm at clubhouse

December 4, 2014 will be the annual Christmas party once again at the Moose

Meeting motioned to be adjourned at 7:50 pm by Jerry R and seconded by Martin T

Minutes of Meeting prepared by Donna Condon

Angel & Crystal Lakes, Feb 25

Photos by Astrid T.
Thirteen hikers made their way across Angel Lake today to view some spectacular ice falls.  Thanks for leading the way John B!!  PHOTOS

Horne Lake, Feb 22

Commentary and photos by Gayle R.
17 die hard hikers packed and broke trail round trip to Horne island in preparation for the Winterfest Snowshoe next weekend. Thanks to everyone for making this task so enjoyable. It was very nice to see Horne lake peppered with participants for the fishing derby.  PHOTOS

Little Quirke, Feb 20

Photos and commentary by Nickie J.
It was a great day for a hike.  Eight of us headed out to Little Quirke.  There were a few rises, some knolls and yes I will admit some wicked hills.  We had a great time and returned to the cars a bit stiff but happy to have survived the outing. PHOTOS

***** Hiker Chicks Reminder *****

The Hiker Chicks dinner is this Friday, February 21 at the Chicken Coope @ 5 pm.  Please call Heather Fulford at 705-461-3099 before noon on February 19th if you would like to attend.

Mississaugi Park, Feb 15

Photos by Astrid T.
Under bright blue sunny skies, Grant led a group of 11 hikers along the Semiwite Creek in Mississaugi Park today.  There was fresh powdery snow on the trail as we made our way to the outdoor theatre for lunch.  Spectacular winter scenery!  PHOTOS

Stokely Creek Lodge, Feb 11-13

Photos by Donna C, Emily W, Astrid T.
Twenty two members of the club descended on Stokely Creek Lodge in Goulais River for three days of cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  Highlights included two separate snowshoeing assaults on King Mountain; one group on Wednesday morning, another group Wednesday afternoon, skiing skiing and more skiing, group singalongs, and food, glorious food! I cannot imagine that we could have had anymore fun than we did.  PHOTOS

***** Stokely Photos *****

For anyone who took photos while at Stokely Creek Lodge, if you have photos of your outing(s) that you would like to share for the blog please email them to elhiking@gmail.com  Thanks!